Aripiprazole

Class

    • Benzisoxazole derivative atypical antipsychotic

Indications

Administration/Absorption

    • Oral

    • IM

Dosage

Distribution

    • VOD 4.9 L/kg

Mechanism

    • Dopamine normaliser

      • Stimulates if levels low

      • Inhibits if levels high

    • Selective monoaminergic antagonist with high affinity for:

      • Serotonin Type 2 (5HT2)

      • Dopamine Type 2 (D2)

      • 1 and 2 adrenergic

      • H1 histaminergic

    • Aripiprazole's antipsychotic activity is likely due to a combination of antagonism at:

      • D2 receptors in the mesolimbic pathway

      • 5HT2A receptors in the frontal cortex

    • Antagonism at D2 receptors relieves positive symptoms while antagonism at 5HT2A receptors relieves negative symptoms of schizophrenia

Excretion

    • Hepatic metabolism

    • Urine / faeces

    • Halflife 75-146 hours

Side effects

  • akathisia

    • headache

    • agitation

    • anxiety

    • unusual tiredness or weakness

    • nausea and vomiting

    • an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach

    • constipation

    • increased production of saliva

    • light-headedness

  • insomnia

    • sleepiness

    • shaking

    • blurred vision

    • sexual dysfunction

Interactions

Contraindications